The imperial footprint affirmed
Technology’s prophet proclaiming
Good news, glad tidings, sounds of joy:
An enshrined encounter, becoming myth
The Christian footprint, waka upturned,
Bold Word by boat and book and prayer:
New tools of trade to chart the Way,
Incentives loosed heralding tragic loss
The Church re-found the present mark,
Gospel remnant alone and strong:
A Celtic anchor for a story adrift
In troubling troughs tossing love and fear
The need to stand affirmed with friends:
Aware the Spirit disturbs the good,
confounds deep ill, emboldens doubt,
Framing memory’s hold on mythic recall
The cross holds one name active still
Bearing two hundred years:
Forgiving much, that good might salvage
Remaining waka from the missionary gift.
©John Fairbrother
27 November 2014
Image Marsden Cross www.doc.govt.nz
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